Gov. McCrory Unveils '10th Hour' Plan for Teacher Raises

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory believes his new education bill gives teachers just what they want.

In Raleigh on Wednesday afternoon, Gov. McCrory announced he has a plan that if followed, will ensure all North Carolina teachers earn no less than $35,000 a year. Outside of the governor's mansion, McCrory said his plan takes the House budget provision regarding teacher pay, pulls it out and submits it as a separate bill.

The measure will give a 5 percent raise to all teachers, create a career pathway that will earn teachers more recognition and possible bonuses. This will be based on their experience, market value, leadership skills and performance. It will revise pay for teachers with a master's degree, doesn't require teachers to give up their tenure and it will provide funding for more text books.

According to the governor, his plan will save up to an estimated 6,000 teaching assistant jobs. It also adds $11.8 million to cover expanding vouchers for students to go to private schools. McCrory says his plan is affordable, using a combination of reserve funds, some lottery monies and savings as a result of cuts in the state government budget.

This initiative vastly differs from the Senate's plan on teacher pay. That version offers 11 percent raises, ties raises to tenure and cuts more than 7,000 teacher assistants.

Governor McCrory's bill also allocates $134 million for Medicaid expansion and $1.8 million for 25 positions in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It's now being introduced in a House appropriations committee.